Outokumpu’s biggest integrated plant, Tornio, boasts a comprehensive production chain that starts with chrome from its Kemi Mine and ends with product shipments from Röyttä Harbor (Port of Tornio). Tornio Ferrochrome Works is at the heart of it all, playing a key role in an impressive continuum of quality.
Tornio ferrochrome makes Outokumpu self-sufficient in the most important raw material of stainless steel: chrome. Using Best Available Technogies (BAT), Tornio ferrochrome operations consist of sintering, smelting, crushing and screening. Molten ferrochrome is delivered direct to the Tornio stainless steel melt shop making the production chain unique in the world: transportation costs are minimized and energy is saved. Ferrochrome is transported to Outokumpu’s other melt shops in Avesta, Sheffield and Calvert, and also sold to external customers.
Long committed to sustainability, Outokumpu has even devised a way to use carbon monoxide generated through Tornio operations to replace propane as a primary energy source, cutting costs and CO2 emissions. Outokumpu also actively protects Tornio’s coastal environment. Even with steadily rising production, water quality is high and rare species of birds nest in a nearby conservation area.
Ferrochrome production in Tornio dates back to 1968, following discovery of chrome ore deposits in Kemi in 1959. There are three ferrochrome smelting furnaces in Tornio. The newest began operation in 2013, doubling ferrochrome production capacity to 530 tonnes per annum. Outokumpu Ferrochrome works is part of Outokumpu Chrome Oy. Alongside Ferrochrome Works, Outokumpu operates the stainless steel plant in Tornio and Outokumpu Shipping Oy operates the port.
Read the Introduction to safety and environmental protection at Outokumpu’s Tornio plant.